New Analysis Weakens Claims of Life on Distant Exoplanet K2 b16a 18b

Recent analysis of JWST data casts doubt on DMS signals found on exoplanet K2-18b. Scientists urge caution, noting the signals may stem from non-biological sources like ethane. 504324

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 29 May 2025 21:09 IST

New Analysis Weakens Claims of Life on Distant Exoplanet K2-18b

Photo Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Joseph Olmsted 2o5ab

New Study Challenges Evidence of Life on Exoplanet K2-18b

Highlights

New analysis finds weak, inconsistent signals of DMS on K2-18b
DMS may be confused with ethane due to similar molecular patterns
Scientists urge cautious interpretation of exoplanet life signs

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Last month, astronomers using the University of Chicago reanalysed the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) data and found the evidence for DMS far less convincing than previously reported.

Weakening of signals 165q6a

According to a recent arxiv preprint, yet to be peer-reviewed, Rafael Luque, Caroline Piaulet-Ghorayeb, and Michael Zhang, used a t approach by combining all JWST observations across its key instruments (NIRISS, NIRSpec, and MIRI). They found that the supposed DMS signal becomes significantly weaker when all data are considered together. Differences in data processing and modelling between the original studies also cast doubt on the initial results.

According to the team, even when DMS-like signals appear, they are weak, inconsistent, and can often be explained by other, non-biological molecules like ethane. The researchers stressed the importance of consistent modelling to avoid contradictory interpretations of planetary atmospheres.

New Study Challenges Signs of Life on Exoplanet K2-18b

Spectral Complexity 44p5r

Molecules in an exoplanet's atmosphere are typically detected through spectral analysis, which identifies unique "chemical fingerprints" based on how the planet's atmosphere absorbs specific wavelengths of starlight as it es or transits in front of its host star.

The difference between DMS and ethane a common molecule in exoplanet atmospheres is just one sulfur atom, and current spectrometers, including those on the JWST, have impressive sensitivity, but still face limits. The distance to exoplanets, the faintness of signals, and the complexity of atmospheres mean distinguishing between molecules that differ by just one atom is extremely challenging. The recent claim of a “3-sigma” detection of DMS falls short of the scientific standard for confirmation. The team calls for more rigorous standards in both scientific publication and media reporting.

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